Beat the Silent Killer: Prevent CO in Your Home
Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly.
Ontario’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week runs from November 1 to 7, 2023, and Windsor Fire & Rescue Services reminds you to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) in your home by getting all fuel-burning appliances inspected annually.
“In Ontario, more than 65% of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” said Windsor Fire Chief Stephen Laforet. “We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Have all fuel-burning appliances inspected by a registered contractor.” Visit COSafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
The Windsor Fire & Rescue Services also reminds you to install CO alarms in your home if you have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage. Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, stoves and vehicles.
“You must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area of the home if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage,” said Chief Laforet. “For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer’s instructions.”
If you live in a condo or apartment building with a service room, CO alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the service room. In condo or apartment buildings that have a garage, CO alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the garage.
Find more information on carbon monoxide on Windsor Fire & Rescue Services' website.
For more CO safety tips, visit the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management’s website and COsafety.ca.